Eau Claire City-County Health Department. An accredited Health Department by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) - Advancing public health performance.

Septic Systems

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Any structure where people live or work needs a public sewer or some type of septic system. Proper design, installation, and maintenance of septic systems helps protect our groundwater and surface water.

In order to help protect public health, the Health Department reviews septic design, issues permits, inspects systems during construction, and oversees required septic system maintenance in Eau Claire County.

More Information

Septic Smart: Learn the Ins and Outs of your Septic System (US Environmental Protection Agency)

Sanitary & Privy Permits

We issue sanitary permits to make sure that private septic systems are properly located, sized, and installed. This helps to prevent waste from becoming a public health hazard.

A sanitary permit is required before:

any private septic system can be installed, repaired, modified, or reconnected
a building or land use permit can be issued in most townships

Steps for Getting a Sanitary Permit

Schedule a soil evaluation with a certified soil tester.
- Identifies the type of septic system that can be installed on your property.
Health Department staff review your soil test results.
- On-site verification is required if certain soil limitations exist.
Contact a plumber to design and install your system (must be a WI licensed Master Plumber or Master Plumber Restricted-Sewer).
Have the plumbing professional submit your Sanitary Permit Application to the Health Department. For fee information see Well and Septic Program Fees.
- The sanitary permit application, signed by the plumber, will be submitted to the Health Department along with the soil test report, plumbing plans, and permit fees.
The Health Department will review the permit and then issue approval. If the permit is denied, you will be notified in writing.
Once the sanitary permit is approved, the plumber is required to call the Health Department for an inspection at least one (1) day prior to the install of the septic system. For an inspection call 715-839-4971.

Privy Permits

Sealed-vault and open bottom pit toilets require a permit. Contact the Health Department for more information: 715-839-4718.

Privy Permit Information & application form

Required Septic System Maintenance

The Health Department administers Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 383.52 which requires that all septic systems in the State of Wisconsin be maintained by being inspected and/or pumped on a regular maintenance schedule.

Most systems require service every three years, though some unique systems require maintenance up to every 3 months. The Health Department sends reminders to homeowners when a routine inspection is due. A septic pumper or inspector will submit the maintenance report to the Health Department for you. Here is a list of pumpers and master plumbers who have previously performed service in Eau Claire County.

If you have your tank pumped before you receive a notice, please submit a septic tank maintenance report to the Health Department. This will “reset” your maintenance schedule, and an inspection reminder won’t be sent for another 3 years.

Holding Tank Maintenance

The Health Department sends holding tank maintenance reports each calendar quarter to holding tank owners. Owners are required to return the pumping reports to the Health Department after filling in the amounts pumped, the dates of pumping, the name of the pumper, and the disposal location.

Aerobic or Pretreatment Maintenance

Some septic systems use specialized treatment devices to provide additional treatment to wastewater. These devices produce a “highly treated” wastewater which contains fewer harmful bacteria and can help a septic system last longer. However, these systems require much more frequent maintenance than conventional septic systems.

Maintenance contracts

Maintenance contracts are required for any system that has a maintenance frequency of less than 13 months. In addition, when these systems are installed, an affidavit must be recorded at the county register of deeds office to notify any future owner of the increased maintenance frequency, and the requirement for a contract with a maintenance service provider.

Eau Claire County Record Search

View past maintenance reports/pumping reports by address: Permit Search (eau-claire.wi.us).

Please call the Health Department for more information on proper maintenance, schedules, or contracts: 715-839-4718.

For Plumbers and Soil Testers

Codes and Regulations

SPS 382 Design, Construction, Installation, Supervision, Maintenance, Inspection of Plumbing

SPS 383 Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

SPS 385 Soil and Site Evaluations